The list is based on streams outside Nigeria and spotlights the country’s continued influence as a global music powerhouse.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Spotify has released its Nigerian Global Impact List for the first half of 2025, highlighting the top 30 Nigerian songs, and songs featuring Nigerian artistes, that have made the biggest splash beyond the country’s borders. The list is based on streams outside Nigeria and spotlights the country’s continued influence as a global music powerhouse.
Afro-Pop star, Rema, leads the chart with “Baby (Is it a Crime)”, his lush soulful hit that cleverly samples Sade Adu. The track, which sparked buzz even before its release, now holds over 60 million streams, making it the most globally streamed Nigerian song of 2025 so far. He also appears at No. 14 with his follow-up single “Bout U”.
Davido earns the most entries on the list with nine entries including his smash hit, “With You” featuring Omah Lay, off his album Five, at No. 3, and “Be There Still” at No. 10. Burna Boy follows with five entries, with his highest-charting track, “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott, from his latest album Sign of Weakness, debuting at No. 5.
Street-Pop star Shallipopi, lands a major global breakout with “Laho” at No. 2, while the remix featuring Burna Boy comes in at No. 9. The list also highlights Nigeria’s genre diversity, with Gospel artiste Lawrence Oyor charting at No. 28 with “Favour”, the only Gospel song to make the cut.
Rising acts Chella, Hima, and Minz also made first-time appearances. “This year’s Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music”, said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa.
As the year progresses, and with major projects still anticipated in the second half, this mid-year snapshot from Spotify offers a compelling look at what Nigerian audiences are listening to, and where the culture is headed nexta.